1910.134(i)(7): CO Monitoring for Oil-Lubricated Compressors
For oil-lubricated breathing air compressors, employers must use a high-temperature alarm, a carbon monoxide alarm, or both, to monitor carbon monoxide levels. If only high-temperature alarms are used, the air supply must be monitored often enough to keep carbon monoxide in the breathing air from exceeding 10 ppm.
Key takeaways
- 1910.134(i)(7) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart I).
- OSHA cited it 30 times in the last 3 years, in 30 inspections, with $39,860 in current penalties.
- Most citations: WI (5), TX (5), SD (2).
- Related part: 1910.134(i) Breathing air quality and use (149 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.134(i)(7) is one requirement inside 1910.134 Respiratory protection, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart I). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(7) For oil-lubricated compressors, the employer shall use a high-temperature or carbon monoxide alarm, or both, to monitor carbon monoxide levels. If only high-temperature alarms are used, the air supply shall be monitored at intervals sufficient to prevent carbon monoxide in the breathing air from exceeding 10 ppm. 30 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.134.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 11 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 10 |
Top states: WI (5), TX (5), SD (2), PA (2), IN (1)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| TRANSCO RAILWAY PRODUCTS INC. | HOUSTON, TX | $9,795 |
| SIGMA CORPORATION | HOUSTON, TX | $8,643 |
| PETERSEN INDUSTRIES, INC. | LAKE WALES, FL | $5,321 |
| DYNAMIC LIFECYCLE INNOVATIONS, INC. | ONALASKA, WI | $4,269 |
| BFR INVESTMENTS LLC | EAST STROUDSBURG, PA | $3,320 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.134(i)(7), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Carbon Monoxide or High Temperature Alarm Requirement for Portable Breathing Air Compressors. (1994-07-05)
- Del-Monox air purifiers are unacceptable for testing carbon monoxide concentration for compressor breathing air. (1981-10-15)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.134(i) Breathing air quality and use 149 citations
- 1910.134(i)(4) 43 citations
- 1910.134(i)(1) 34 citations
- 1910.134(i)(5) 34 citations
- 1910.134(i)(1)(ii) 31 citations
- 1910.134(i)(5)(iv) 24 citations
- 1910.134(i)(4)(i) 18 citations
- 1910.134(i)(8) 7 citations
- 1910.134(i)(4)(ii) 3 citations
- 1910.134(i)(5)(i) 3 citations
- 1910.134(i)(1)(ii)(A) 2 citations
- 1910.134(i)(1)(i)
Get your crew competent
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Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
What alarms are needed on oil-lubricated compressors?
A high-temperature alarm, a carbon monoxide alarm, or both.
What if only a high-temperature alarm is used?
The air supply must be monitored at intervals sufficient to keep carbon monoxide from exceeding 10 ppm.
Why the concern with carbon monoxide?
Oil-lubricated compressors can produce carbon monoxide in the breathing air, so levels must be monitored.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.134 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-21
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.